Britfest nearly didn’t happen for me but in the end I decided just to attend on the Friday, but Saturday was tempting. Getting to Britfest is pretty easy, I got the tram to Altrincham then got on the Shuttle bus. Getting back wasnt so easy.
When I arrived on the Friday, Roachford was on stage and i stayed around until he played Cuddly Toy, great tune. Then i got organised and waited for Republica.
I’ve followed them for years but it’s been a while since I’d seen them. They opened with my favourite tune by them…..Bloke.
Saffron was on form, dominating the stage with songs like Drop Dead Gorgeous and their epic Ready to Go.
Next up was Chesney Hawkes, I really only knew The One and Only up until the last couple of months when he released Loud, a cracking tune.
He played a lot of cover songs ( really well ) such as Sit Down.
Toploader are a great sounding band but I’m only familiar with one of their songs. I was pretty sure it would be their last so I went for a pint and some nachos. Dancing in the Moonlight was played not long after my return, my wisdom is legendary.
I only stayed to take photos of Razorlight as I knew I’d have a mare getting home otherwise so I scrounged a lift from a fellow Photographer to Altrincham and headed home. By this time I’d decided to come again on Saturday. A wise choice.
Day 2 was always going to be fun with Black Lace and Timmy Mallet………unless you experience acts like this you can never know how much of a laugh they are.
Cutting Crew were the first band I got to see. I had totally forgotten the song I’ve been in love before which was a nice surprise but I was blown away by the guitar solo that led into Died in your arms.
Absolutely brilliant.
Next up were Hue and Cry, not a band I follow but Looking for Linda and Labour of Love were classics back in the day and I stayed around for them before a Pint and Nachos.
I checked out the entertainment too.
Katrina from Katrina and the Waves is always a treat to watch.
Her song Love Shine a Light that won Eurovision is always a crowd pleaser but the epic Walking on Sunshine is one of the all time best 80s songs.
Black Lace and Timmy Mallet are 100% off their heads but that is what we liked back in the 80s. Seeing Mallets Mallet honking heads again was classic and also Black Lace singing their ultimate 80s cheese was actually a massive crowd pleaser.
The Fizz was probably the main reason I returned on Saturday. Bucks Fizz were the ultimate pop act back in the day. To get the chance to see them sing Making your Mind Up, My Camera Never Lies and Land of Make Believe was irresistible and enjoyed every minute. I even got to meet Cheryl Baker, a massive childhood crush of mine.
Midge Ure need no explanation of hos legendary status. From his excellent work with Ultravox, his contribution to Live Aid and for me it’s his sense of humour. His appearances in Still Game and Filthy Rich and Catflap were hilarious.
Notable songs include If I Was, Dancing With Tears in my Eyes and Vienna. So so good.
After Midge Ure I decided to call it a day, we had been booted from the Press Area at the orders of UB40s management so getting home was my priority.
The festival is in its second year and barring a few things that they could do a little better, it is a well run Festival with a great atmosphere. One big suggestion would be shuttle buses back to Altrincham Station start a lot earlier for people who need to get the tram to meet connections in Manchester. I really enjoyed the 2 days and will definitely return. Well done Britfest!!!
